From 12 to 25 May 2026, the Vuurschepenrace took place – the traditional North Sea Regatta crossing from Scheveningen to Harwich. Royal Dirkzwager CEO Joan Blaas sailed aboard the Stella17, a Sydney 46 sailing yacht skippered by Toon van Liebergen. Royal Dirkzwager and Ship2Port were once again the team’s main sponsors, aiming to raise awareness of the importance of Remote Offshore Asset Monitoring (ROAM) on the increasingly busy North Sea.

Royal Dirkzwager monitors a growing number of offshore installations from its 24/7 manned control room in Maassluis, including oil and gas platforms and offshore wind farms. “The North Sea is no longer an empty expanse,” says Blaas. “Shipping, fisheries, recreation, and large-scale energy projects are all competing for the same space. The likelihood of incidents is increasing, and we need to stay ahead of them.”

According to Blaas, it is not only large seagoing vessels that pose a risk. “A sailing yacht can also cause significant damage. If such a boat gets into trouble inside a wind farm, rescue operations become extremely dangerous. Helicopters can barely operate between the turbines, and deploying rescue boats is highly complex. In practice, entire wind farms sometimes have to be shut down, resulting in major economic consequences.”

Royal Dirkzwager keeps “an extra eye on the situation,” as Blaas describes it, using radar, AIS, and cameras. “If we see a vessel heading toward a platform or wind farm, we immediately make contact via VHF radio. Prevention is everything.”

According to Blaas, participation in the Vuurschepenrace also has symbolic value. “We are taking part both literally and figuratively. Our people are ready in Maassluis to help guide the sixty participating boats safely. It’s fantastic sailing, but safety comes first.”

The Stella17 secured second place in the Vuurschepenrace – an excellent achievement.